See All

Preferences

My Communities

My Discussions

My Email Digests

Announcements

Recently, I was at a club where I saw a guy directly touch his genitals.A few minutes later, he touched my shoulder, which I inadvertently rubbed with my cheek. A couple of hours later, I washed my face with my hands. My right hand had several cuts on it from a cat scratch a couple of days before. They were mostly healed, but one of them could have been partially open and exposed. I put alchohol-based hand sanitizer on my hands and cheek before I washed my face. My question is: can I get HIV from this typ of scenario. What if I were to shake hands with somebody with body fluid on there hand and I had a cut on mine?

Thank You,

David

Thanks for your Reply!

1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Body Fluid on HandRecently, I was at a club where I saw a guy directly touch his genitals.A few minutes later, he touched my shoulder, which I inadvertently rubbed with my cheek. A couple of hours later, I washed my face with my hands. My right hand had several cuts on it from a cat scratch a couple of days before. They were mostly healed, but one of them could have been partially open and exposed. I put alchohol-based hand sanitizer on my hands and cheek before I washed my face. My question is: can I get HIV from this typ of scenario. What if I were to shake hands with somebody with body fluid on there hand and I had a cut on mine?

No, this is not a risk for HIV. If you think this through logically, if HIV could be transmitted this way we would all have it by now.

HIV is transmitted by direct contact between the blood or sexual fluids of an infected person and the blood stream of someone else. This only realistically happens during unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing IV needles. Avoid those activities, and you do not need to worry about HIV.

First, it's unlikely that there was any sexual fluid on his hand when he touched you. Even if there were, any virus in it would have long since died by the time you brushed your cheek or washed your face.

Dan

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Body Fluid on HandNo, this is not a risk for HIV. If you think this through logically, if HIV could be transmitted this way we would all have it by now.

HIV is transmitted by direct contact between the blood or sexual fluids of an infected person and the blood stream of someone else. This only realistically happens during unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing IV needles. Avoid those activities, and you do not need to worry about HIV.

First, it's unlikely that there was any sexual fluid on his hand when he touched you. Even if there were, any virus in it would have long since died by the time you brushed your cheek or washed your face.

Related Drug Reviews

Report Problems With Your Medications to the FDA

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The opinions expressed in WebMD Communities are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Communities are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

Do not consider Communities as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.